HCM CITY—  A painting and sculpture exhibition on social issues such as child sexual abuse and environmental protection has opened in the HCM City Fine Arts Museum.

The event features 258 paintings and sculptures in different media by 230 artists in HCM City and southern provinces.

The works are from the artists’ latest collections created during the 2017 Creative Camp launched by the city’s Fine Arts Association.

One of the event’s featured sculptures, Vết Đen (Dark Scar) by Nguyễn Thành Tuệ, is about victims of child molestation.

The young artist told the local press that he wanted to create a large sculpture about the sensitive subject because he wants to break the silence about the issue.

“Through my art, I hope to encourage people, particularly youth, to not be afraid of talking about sex or sexual abuse,” he said. 

“Tuệ’s Vết Đen left a very strong impression on everyone,” said Nguyễn Kim Thúy, a third-year student at the city’s University of Economy. 

Thúy said she supported artists in theatre, film and the arts who create works that oppose sexual abuse of children.

“I believe their art will help to bring evil to the light,” she said.

Thúy also viewed the film S.O.S Sói Trắng (S.O.S White Wolf), a production on child sexual abuse by veteran director Lê Hoàng of HCM City.

The aim of the film was to educate young children and teenagers about sexual harassment and abuses so they can protect themselves. It has attracted several thousand young viewers.

The exhibition, which opens at 9am every day, ends on September 6 at 97 Phó Đức Chính Street in District 1. Entrance is free. — VNS